FAQs

The majority of the plants that we sell at Stem & Co are easy-care.

The secret is to replicate the conditions that you would expect to find in its native habitat. Replicating the natural habitat of a plant is key to ensuring its health and well-being.

Arid desert-type plants such as aloes, succulents, and cacti have adapted to store water in their leaves, stems and roots. They originate from hot and dry environments and as such have adapted to tolerate drought.

To care for these types of plants, they require bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day and little water. It's important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent the roots from rotting. When repotting, it's best to use a well-draining soil mix that mimics the rocky, sandy soils found in their natural habitat.

Overall, desert-type plants are a great option for those who are looking for low-maintenance plants that don't require frequent watering or fertilizing. However, it's important to make sure they are getting enough sunlight and not overwatering them, as these can be common mistakes when caring for these types of plants.

Tropical plants come from warm and humid environments such as rainforests, and they require similar conditions to thrive indoors.

To care for tropical plants, they need to be kept in warm temperatures ranging from 18-27°C (65-80°F) and require high humidity levels of at least 50-60%. If the air in your home is dry, you can increase the humidity by misting the plant regularly or by using a humidifier.

In terms of light, tropical plants prefer bright but indirect light, as direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. It's best to place them near a window with filtered or diffused light, or to use a sheer curtain to filter the light.

Some popular tropical plants that are easy to care for include the Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant), the Pothos, and the Philodendron. These plants can add a tropical touch to your home and are relatively low-maintenance if you can provide them with the right growing conditions.

Keep to these guidelines and you will see success.

If you require further assistance, we are only a message away through our Live Chat Button.

The term "indirect sunlight" refers to sunlight that does not fall directly on a surface or object. Instead, the light has diffused or reflected by another object or surface.

When sunlight passes through clouds, they scatter and reflect the sunlight - this is "indirect sunlight".

Similarly, it can also be when sunlight enters a room through a window but does not fall directly on an object.

Indirect sunlight is generally softer and less intense than direct sunlight. It can be ideal for certain plants or activities that require some exposure to sunlight but cannot tolerate direct sunlight. However, it's important to note that even indirect sunlight can still be harmful if the exposure is prolonged, especially during peak hours of the day when UV radiation is highest.

Choosing the right size pot for your plant is important for its growth and health. Here are some general guidelines to help choose the right one.

1. Consider the current size of your plant. The pot you choose should be just slightly larger than the current size of your plant's root ball. A pot that is too large can lead to overwatering and root rot.
2. Think about the growth rate of your plant. If you have a plant that grows quickly, such as a pothos or a snake plant, you may need to choose a larger pot than if you have a slow-growing plant.
3. Look at the type of plant you have. Plants like succulents and cacti, prefer to be in smaller pots, while others, such as tropical plants, may benefit from being in larger pots with more soil to retain moisture.
4. Look for a pot with drainage holes. It's important to choose a pot with drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape, preventing waterlogging and root rot.
5. Consider the weight and stability of the pot. A heavy pot can be difficult to move, while a lightweight pot may tip over easily. Make sure the pot you choose is stable and won't tip over with the weight of the plant and soil.

Remember that it's always better to choose a pot that is too small rather than too large. You can always repot your plant into a larger pot as it grows.

Still confused? When you pop a plant in your basket to make your life easier we will recommend the right size plant pot for each plant purchased.

Caring for house plants in the UK can be a bit different than caring for them in other parts of the world, as the climate and weather conditions can vary. Here are some additional tips for looking after your house plants in the UK:

1. Light: During the winter months, the days are shorter and darker in the UK, which means that your plants may not be getting enough light. To compensate, you can move your plants closer to a window or use artificial lights to provide them with extra light.
2. Water: In the UK, the air tends to be humid, which means that your plants may not need as much water as they would in a drier climate. Check the soil regularly to see if it feels dry to the touch, and water your plants accordingly.
3. Temperature: The UK climate is generally mild, which means that most house plants will be comfortable at room temperature. If you have tropical plants, you may need to provide them with extra warmth during the winter months.
4. Humidity: As mentioned, the UK climate is generally humid, which means that most house plants will be comfortable without extra humidity. However, if you have plants that prefer high humidity, such as ferns or orchids, you can use a humidifier to provide them with the extra moisture they need.
5. Pests: Common house plant pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Check your plants for signs of infestation, such as yellowing leaves or sticky residue, and treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or oil.

If you're still having problems caring for your plants, get in touch via chat or pop into our shop at 22 Sea View Street. Sam will be more than happy to offer advice based on your specific needs.

Your Stem & Co order will be dispatched through Hermes. All plants will be shipped first class to minimise their transit time, and ensure that they arrive at their new home quickly and as safely as possible.

We know how excited you are to receive your new plant babies, and we aim to send plants as quickly as possible with delivery within 1-2 days.

Non-perishable items typically take 3-4 days to be delivered.

Life is unpredictable, so we completely understand if you are not going to be home when your plants arrive.

We use Hermes for all plant deliveries; they will attempt to deliver twice and will leave you a calling card with details. Please follow the instructions on the card to organise re-delivery if appropriate.

When your plant is packed, we pack your plant tightly to ensure they are fully protected during transit. Open the outer packing and you may find that some stems, vines or leaves need to be unfurled. Don't rush, transporting plants can be a little stressful for them so slowly tease them apart over the coming days. Some loss of leaves is unavoidable, however, all of our plants are sent in top health so will recover and regenerate accordingly with their species.

We’ve been buying plants wholesale for some time now and have now an insight into which specialist growers to look out for at auction. We have our favourites known for rare, fresh and interesting stock.

First off I’d recommend you join our propagation club. Once you have joined, you will have direct access to me and other plant-loving members in our friendly WhatsApp group chat. Here you can ask any questions that you might have and one of us will be more than happy to offer advice and guidance, as we can.

I’d also suggest the following products as tried and tested plant must-haves:

• Organic Plant Feed
• Plug in Humidifier
• Plantopedia. The definitive guide to houseplants book
• Moisture metre kit
• Copper Plated Plant Spray Bottle

I recommend regularly checking our rare plant selection and treating yourself! We pride ourselves on keeping up to date with the latest must-haves.

If you do purchase and need any further care advice then please do get in touch.

I also suggest you join our propagation club and meet fellow like-minded plant lovers and grow your own plant-loving friends to share your plant experiences with.